Bryony's success is down to caring housing firm

Radian provides more than 20,000 affordable homes, all the way from Portsmouth to Berkshire.

Part of its remit is to help residents find employment through its Employment, Support and Training Project (EST).

And since 2012, EST has gone on to find 500 residents and non-residents work, and get more than 1,000 Hampshire residents into training.

Having joined the EST team three years ago on a work placement, Bryony Vine, 24, from Portsmouth, has since helped EST reach its 500 milestone by gaining additional part-time employment at PPG Print as a print assistant.

Bryony, who has a Specific Learning Difficulty (SPLD) and dyslexia said: ‘I was apprehensive about working in an office environment, but was well supported and quickly picked up administration duties including filing, scanning documents and updating information.

‘I felt that having a learning difficulty would mean that I would be judged and compared.

‘I was scared about not meeting my own expectations or being able to complete my daily duties. I was worried about not feeling valued personally and professionally.

‘The EST staff helped me overcome these anxieties and I really feel a valued member of the team.’

EST works with the unemployed helping them secure work by delivering a range of intensive, short-to-medium-term training and employment support. EST has exceeded its original target.

Chris Adams, employment and training manager, has been at the forefront of EST’s success.

He said: ‘It’s been fantastic to watch the growth of such a successful project that makes an amazing difference to people’s lives.

‘Bryony’s progression over the past three years has been incredible to witness and securing employment within Portsmouth is a very well-deserved outcome highlighting how, with support, she has strived forward and achieved her goal.’